Chatalas Shrugged

As I wade into this new class, defining what I want to gain from it is worthwhile both to my learning and how the class may be structured to accommodate my interests.

I don’t have a particularly strong understanding of economics. Sure, I can make cursury comments, which typically are based on something I’ve read online or in the paper. But a primary objective of mine is to be able to speak knowledgeably about economics, and be able to assess sides of an argument in a more cognitive manner. So a background in the basics and how they apply to communications and media. This needn’t be too technical; I want to focus on learning, rather than grapple with comprehending the arcane.

More specifically, I work in the media world, so examining current trends in the business models will be of significant interest. There are an abundance of questions these days about an uncertain media future, and hopefully this class will enable me to answer them with an inkling of expertise.

Among questions of interest that I’d like to better understand: Where is the money going to come from, and where will it go? Is the advertising business dying? Will anybody pay for content? What business models will replace newspapers? Will monopolies give way to smaller companies? What will be the successful businesses and opportunies in the digital media world?

Further, I want to be able to articulate why I think a certain business model has merit, or not. I would like to present ideas as to how my business (and others) can move forward in a manner that makes sound business and economic sense.

It’s a long list, and surely more questions and objectives will arise. But it’s a good starting point.